UCLA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Secondary of primary importance

When the No. 17 Bruins visit Washington State this weekend, they'll play a team that throws the ball on 72 percent of its plays. The Cougars don't pass very efficiently - 17 touchdowns against 16 interceptions - but that hasn't stopped them from airing the ball out on nearly every snap. They're one of four units in the country to average more than 50 passes a game.

UCLA's passing defense has been middling to poor for most of the season, but turned in its best performance of the year against Arizona, limiting the high-octane aerial attack to 136 yards and no touchdowns.

Coach Jim Mora said the team still needs to clean up some penalties, but he has been encouraged by his cornerbacks' improved consistency. He praised seniors Sheldon Price and Aaron Hester for finishing plays and tackling better. Hester leads the team with four interceptions.

"You see a lot of guys that are there, and then they don't make a play," Mora said. "These guys are doing a much better job of making a play on the ball. ...

"You're out there on the edge (as a corner). You're on your own. You've just got to have the right mindset all the time."

Running the numbers

Statistically, Washington State has by far the worst rushing offense in the conference. The Cougars rank last in carries (174), yards (262) and touchdowns (3). Just ahead is Colorado, which looks like a ground-and-pound behemoth by comparison; the Buffaloes have more than double WSU's output with 10 touchdowns and 892 yards.

Mora tried his best to play up the Cougars' offense. He's loath to use the term "trap game," but that's exactly what the Bruins are faced with Saturday.

"They do a great job of spreading the field vertically and horizontally," Mora said. "They will run it. It's a little bit deceptive, their run stats, because they have taken some sacks. ... They split their offensive line and spread you out a bit. Their quarterback gets rid of the ball quickly."

But Washington State's run game looks anemic even after accounting for sacks. The Cougars have given up 40 sacks and lost a total of 272 yards - worst in the FBS, but not nearly enough to close the chasm between their running yardage total and the rest of the conference.

Fresh hands

One budding contributor is true freshman Jordan Payton, who has started three games this season, including against Arizona last week. The four-star recruit out of Oaks Christian High scored his first touchdown on a 17-yard grab in the first quarter, putting the Bruins up 21-0.

"I wanted to be out there so bad," Payton said. "Started off with a little playing time, getting more playing time as people got hurt, to starting - I love it. I'm just happy to be out there."